JUUst Breathe Live - A UU Podcast: Recent Episodes
UUA - Shannon Harper and Eric Bliss
JUUst Breathe Live is a podcast where youth ministry has a say! Hosts Shannon Harper and Eric Bliss interview youth and adults who hold a vision of liberal religious youth ministry that is both life saving and spirit lifting.
Covenant is at the core of who we are as Unitarian Universalists. How can a Whole Church approach to religious education help us practice living into covenant across generations? Since we center covenant instead of creed in our approach to religious life, what difference does that make for how we aspire to live together in community?
These questions and so much more will be explored with panelists Jenn Blosser and Michael Molina in our second installment of this Season’s JUUst Breathe.
Instagram: @juustbreathepod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/juustbreathelive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Resources:
Learn more about Covenant: https://www.uua.org/lifespan/re-sources/threshold-conversations/theology-covenant
Learn more about Whole Church Religious Education: https://www.uua.org/lifespan/curricula/whole-church
Learn more about Deeper Joy: https://www.uua.org/youth/deeper-joy
LeaderLab: https://www.uua.org/leaderlab/leadership-technical-skills-reflections-on-right-relationship
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Guest panelists and long time collaborators, Jennica Davis-Hockett and Joy Berry, meet with Ember to discuss why Unitarian Universalists are embracing a whole church religious education approach and are deepening community connections across generations through a new, amazing resource called Deeper Joy.
Instagram: @juustbreathepod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/juustbreathelive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Episode 9 of JUUst Breathe explores the central tenet of all our Shared Values…LOVE - with fabulous panelists Avery Miller Fabregas and Rev Dr. Sofia Betancourt, the President of the UUA!
We are really excited to conclude this season of JUUst Breathe with a bang!
Instagram: @juustbreathepod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/juustbreathelive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Interdependence is a condition of our very being, whether or not we notice it. How we choose to engage it has an impact on the world and also on our congregational systems. What are some ways we’re really challenging ourselves in the spirit of building Beloved Community, to be truly radically welcoming, and to foster relationships beyond our congregational walls?
Give this episode a listen to find out what our amazing panelists - religious educator Jil Novenski and Rev Jim Lewis had to say about all this.
Instagram:
instagram.com/juustbreathepod
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/juustbreathelive
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
We are each other’s harvest:
We are each other’s business:
We are each other’s magnitude and bond.
-- Gwendolyn Brooks
We declare that every person has the right to flourish with inherent dignity and worthiness, and we covenant to use our time, wisdom, attention, and money to build and sustain fully accessible and inclusive communities. Our esteemed guests ponder what Unitarian Universalism might become if we looked beyond traditional definitions and saw our very communities as an endowment for a flourishing religious future.
Instagram:
instagram.com/juustbreathepod
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/juustbreathelive
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Pertinent links:
https://www.uua.org/lifespan/re-sources/threshold-conversations/whole-church/whole-re-panel
https://www.blessedbeebyhp.com
https://sidewithlove.org/actioncenter
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Cornel West said that "Justice is what love looks like in public."
Our panelists, Lisa Garcia Sampson and Antoinette Scully - two of our UU state action network leaders, discuss what we can do to continue to build Beloved Community during these very trying and challenging times times, while also dismantling the oppressive systems that keep all of us from being truly free.
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/juustbreathelive
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Coalition of UU State Action Networks:
https://cuusan.org/
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
This episode features a conversation with panelists Rev Kimberly Quinn Johnson and Rev Joanna Fontaine Crawford focusing on the importance of missionalism as an approach in our efforts to be generous, with time, talent, and the treasure of our transcendent faith.
Don’t miss this lively conversation with our fabulous hosts.
Resources:
Unitarian Universalism and Missionalism - Rev Joanna Fontaine Crawford asks how Unitarian Universalist theology should respond to and intersect with the Missional Christian movement.
MISSIONALISM and RE - Learn about one approach here (includes a basic definition of missionalism drawn from the video above).
Wendell Berry’s poems about generosity (toward the present and the future)
There Is No Going Back https://www.reckonings.net/reckonings/2012/11/no-going-back-wendell-berry.html
For the Future
https://spiritoftrees.org/poetry/for-the-future
Instagram: instagram.com/juustbreathepod
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/juustbreathelive
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
This episode, we are joined by Rev Jonipher Kwong and longtime UUA youth and emerging adult staffer Jennica Davis-Hockett to examine transformation in our faith. How are we formed in this faith by transforming ourselves and by being change agents our wider world? What are we willing to both embrace and let go of in pursuit of transcendence? Our panel will have answers. Instagram:
instagram.com/juustbreathepod
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/juustbreathelive
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Other pertinent links
Joanna Macy - Active Hope
Teaching our Children to Love a Dying and Transforming World
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
We sit down with religious educators Kat Good and Alessandra Nysether-Santos to dive into our new shared values, starting with pluralism - all about the DEI, and not ashamed to admit it!
Trolls World Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uLKzCrT5Qsw
https://wagingnonviolence.org/2024/11/10-things-to-do-if-trump-wins/
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/juustbreathelive
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/juustbreathepod
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
**Panelists Dr Glen Thomas Rideout, Nico Van Ostrand, and Rev Kayla Parker discuss with our hosts the wonders of a shared ministry approach in congregational life. What does it take? What are the benefits? What obstacles may need addressing? Come find out more from these fabulous spiritual leaders in our movement!
Instagram:**
instagram.com/juustbreathepod Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/juustbreathelive
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Other pertinent links:
https://www.uuworld.org/articles/leadership-model-shared-ministry-unitarian-universalist-congregations-covid-19
UU Values Image by Tanya Webster
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Hosts Ember Kelley and Joy Berry discuss the “Why’s” of a Whole Church Approach to RE (Religious Exploration). Hot off the presses and fresh from General Assembly’s vote to accept Article II. Our shared values find a new home in a multigenerational approach to ministry.instagram.com/juustbreathepod
Other linkshttps://www.youtube.com/@unitarianchurchofstatenisl1261/shorts
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/juustbreathelive
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Quiana Denae Perkins, Kathy Smith, and Jenn Blosser join our hosts to discuss the ins and outs of the new proposed Article II changes to our UUA bylaws that are coming up at this summer's General Assembly. It's a hot topic right now and the conversation is sweltering!
Links:
https://www.uua.org/uuagovernance/committees/article-ii-study-commission
5 Jagged Rocks: https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/18_JmGOhynz4z5slCcOPs3lsyndIj9dT7qlpuopUXyxo/edit
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3355850741412013
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Ep 3.5 | April 2024
Join Rev Tyler Coles and Rev Dayna Edwards as they explore the critical importance of faith development and its role in driving forward paradigmatic shifts for congregations toward greater equity, health, and vibrancy.
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Members of the National Emerging Adult Taskforce (NEAT) and Young Adult Revival Network (YARN) talk about these important ministries and how to better engage and support this vital demographic in our UU communities.
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
What is "Threshold Conversations?" How did it start? What are its purposes and goals?
January's episode is a flashback of sorts as we delve into the origins of Threshold.
Come listen to Rev Marisol Caballero and our co-host, running double duty as panelist- Joy Berry, as they discuss the origins of Threshold Conversations, the Unitarian Universalist religious education initiative and the focus for this Season's episodes.
To learn more visit:
https://www.uua.org/threshold-conversations
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Meet religious educators Dana Lundquist, Marena McGregor, and Rev Sierra Marie Gerfao. All three grew up UU, with two of the three participating in COA as youth, while all three now teach COA in their present congregational roles. To a person, they each have incredibly salient and unique perspectives on this milestone program. You'll be amazed at yet another mind blowing conversation unpacking liberal religious education from the perspective of luminary minds crossing thresholds.
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
It's a new season of JUUst Breathe! As we bid goodbye to Shannon, we say hello to our new co-host, Joy Berry. It's bittersweet.
But what isn't bittersweet is the amazing conversation about Coming of Age with our sensational panel:
Rev Dr Gregory Carrow Boyd
Cameron Young
Rev Leia Durland Jones
We talk about it all, including about how Unitarian Universalism is in its own adolescent coming of age moment.
Give it a listen...
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Music: "Where Do We Come From," by Brian Tate performed by Rev Christopher Lamb
Co-host Shannon Harper pulls double-duty (while other co-host Eric Bliss continues to enjoy a sabbatical break) in this discussion with Marissa A.
Gutiérrez Vicario, Founder and Executive Director of "Art and Resistance Through Education (ARTE)" on empowering youth to become "Artivists": activists who use art to make positive change.
Join Shannon as she welcomes Aly Champion, Zac Baker, and Gavin Howell, Unitarian young adult friends from (as Eric would say) “across the pond” to discuss the growth of online and hybrid Unitarian youth and Young Adult ministry in Great Britain. Hear how it is it similar, or dissimilar , to online/hybrid UU ministry in the US. Learn how they are using technology to create in-person gatherings and extend their reach beyond the British Isles.
If you’d like to participate in International Meet-ups, please email Gavin Howell at: “ghowell@unitarian.org.uk”
(As a bonus, in this episode you’ll also learn where the heck Eric is;)).
Shannon and Eric meet Peren Tiemann and Avery Hammill, members of Students Demand Action. They describe their call to activism in the aftermath of the mass shooting at Marjory Douglas Stoneman High School, successful strategies for limiting gun violence, the joy of working together to create change, and how you can advocate for responsible gun policy, too.
Re-live an incredible first year with us as we look back on all the deep wisdom from our guests and much of the laughter, gaffs, and silliness that ensued.
This is the perfect episode if you'd like everything distilled into less than an hour. We had a blast putting this together for you. We think you'll walk away with new insights and a smile on your face.
Check it out!
A group of youth and religious professionals gathered in person at 2022 General Assembly in Portland to respond and process the tragic and unprecedented reversal of Roe v Wade. Guest hosts and emerging adults, Mali Gottfried and Olivia Calvi, presided over the podcast.
GUEST HOSTS- Paige Cupp and Lee Blythe
Paige Cupp, 18, (she/her) is a lifelong UU raised just outside of Trenton, New Jersey. She was a part of the Youth@GA staff team last year and was a worship associate at her home congregation in Princeton, NJ. She loves hiking, poetry, and her two cats. Currently, she is just finishing her second year as a Religion and Philosophy student at a small historically women’s college in Georgia. Paige is very happy to be working with the amazing JUUst Breathe team and guest today.
***Lee Blythe, 17, they/them. Lee is a senior in an arts high school. Lee plays the cello and will be double majoring in cello performance and ethnic studies in the fall! In terms of UUism, they have grown up as a Unitarian Universalist, and, even in the last few years, has become more enveloped in the faith and practices, as well as youth leadership, including on the Pacific Western Region RejUUvenation Youth Leadership Collective. After being on the pilot/trial episode of the podcast, Lee is excited to be an official host of JUUst Breathe Live, and can't wait to see where it goes!
They interview- Lindsay Caddle LaPointe [she/her] grew up Unitarian Universalist in Massachusetts and was an active participant of the Young Religious Unitarian Universalist’s program in the late 90s. Since then, she has received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Dance/Performance from Roger Williams University and her Master’s in Fine Arts in dance and technology from The Ohio State University’s department of dance.***
Now the director of production company, Linden Tree Productions (LTP), she has provided video support to dancers and artists since its inception in 2010.
Her collaboration with journalist, Naomi Kooker, earned the duo multiple awards for their documentary short, Making Mill Town. They now are combining with Lindsay’s lifelong collaborator, Dawn MacKechnie, for the WHY ARE YOU YOU? documentary where they are telling the story about youth empowerment from the perspective of the YRUU program.
This week we’ll be talking with two absolutely wonderful humans, Noel Burke and Sivani Gelfand, as they share their insights on the topic of Spiritual Direction.
Noel lives in Saint Louis and is a member of Eliot Chapel in Kirkwood, MO. She taught OWL in the Saint Louis area, studied Spiritual Direction in Ohio, and founded the young adult group at Eliot Chapel. Not only that but Noel also served at General Assembly as a HUUPER, which is currently known as Co-Dean.
Sivani Katie Gelfand is the Director of Religious Exploration at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of New Orleans, the congregation that raised her. She is also a certified Interfaith Spiritual Guide, Reiki Master Teacher, and initiated High Pagan Priestess. Deeply devoted to the Divine Feminie, she also leads a monthly new moon ritual for a women's group and teaches Cakes for the Queen of Heaven. Sivani is committed to compassionately empowering and supporting others on their journey to wholeness and healing. Her website is https://www.sivanistar.com/
Shannon and Bliss talk to Linnea Granberg, Eric James and Casey Stainsby from Myceliuum Youth Network of Canada.
The MyceliUUm is a large virtual gathering of any UU youth (14-19) and junior youth (12-13) in Canada who would like to attend, as well as their adult supporters (youth advisors, religious educators). These gatherings will occur 3-4 times each year, and last two hours each.
The next MyceliUUm Gathering is coming up on March 26th-register here
Instagram: @yayasofcanada or @cucyob
Dinner Church
**The buzz is real! What is “Dinner Church?” How does it feed the body, mind, and soul of its participants? These questions and more are answered by panelists Rebecca Throop, Rev Aisha Ansano, and Rev Emily Conger.
Originally aired 11/14/21**
The Other Side of the Bridge: What Happens After Youth Group?
Panelists Chloe Emily and Malika Gottfried discuss with our JUUst Breathe Live hosts the increasing opportunities to connect to faith that Unitarian Universalist emerging adults are finding after they leave their high school youth groups, as well as “lifehacks” for thriving during young adulthood.
Originally aired 9/26/2021
Youth Spirituality
**In the very first “pilot” episode, Shannon and Bliss interview artist, musician, and youth leader, Lee Blythe, and eco-chaplain and song leader, Rev Christopher Watkins Lamb, exploring what Youth Spirituality means in today’s Unitarian Universalist religious landscape and how youth are connecting to spirit in new and innovative ways.
Originally aired 9/12/2021**
Resonance in Activism
Amazing emerging adult activist, Martha Durkee-Neuman, raps with our hosts about the wonders of the resonance practice, particularly about how it informs and sustains advocacy efforts for social change.
Originally aired 12/12/2021
Mental Health First Aid
**Unitarian Universalist Emerging Adult leaders Roddy Biggs and Lane Deamant are interviewed about the possibilities for pastoral and spiritual support found in programs focusing on Mental Health First Aid.
Originally aired 10/10/2021**
Climate Justice Networks
Noella Prescod, a youth leader from Unitarian Universalists at the United Nations, and Zoe Johnston from UU Young Adults for Climate Justice**, talk about the shifting landscape in promoting social change for the environment, how young folx are at the vanguard of the movement, where hope can be found, and how each of us difference for Mother Earth.
Originally aired 1/23/2022**
As world travelers for nearly two decades, Rising Appalachia have merged multiple global music influences with their own southern roots to create their unique sound. Remarkably the band has built its legion of listeners independently --a self-made success story that has led to major festival appearances and sold-out shows at venues across the country. Founded by sisters Leah and Chloe Smith, the band established an international fan base due to relentless touring, tireless activism, and no small degree of stubborn independence.
Tune in to hear all about Sanctuary Boston, how to get involved in Wednesday night worship or Sanctuary small group ministries, and ways to build up a UU campus ministry near you. We loved chatting with Kari and Matt and we can’t wait for you to hear from them.
For more information on Sanctuary Boston check out their website.
For more information on Unitarian Universalist visit our website.